RCC Celebrates African American History Month 2018

DATE: January 26, 2018

RAMAPO – Celebrate African American History Month at Rockland Community College! RCC will host a series of events that will entertain, inspire and educate. All events, except for the Black Achievement Awards, are free and open to the public.

Savor a taste of Senegalese cuisine and meet a noted author whose new book details black activism in the 1960s. Enjoy live performances, featuring the variety of African-inspired dance and the creativity of slam poetry. Attend a panel discussion on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a half-century after his death.

RCC’s African American History Month celebration also includes a pair of on-campus exhibits. For further information on any of the events, contact Erica Santelmo, esantelm@sunyrockland.edu.

50th Anniversary of the Orangeburg MassacreLibrary, Display Cases (2nd floor)A graphic display detailing a 1968 civil rights protest against a segregated bowling alley in South Carolina and the massacre that followed.

The Legacy of Rhythm: Exploring the African Diaspora through Dance with the Forces of Nature Dance TheatreWednesday, February 28, 2018 (Snow date 3/7) 7:00 pm • Cultural Arts Theater This award-winning company blends traditional West African dance with contemporary, ballet, hip-hop, and martial arts. Explore themes of the African Diaspora through dance, music, drumming, storytelling and the spoken word. Presented by the African-American Historical Society of Rockland County, the African-American History Month Committee of RCC and the Town of Ramapo.

Sister Cypher! Open Mic PoetryThursday, March 1, 2018 7:00 - 9:00 pm • Student Union, Room 3214 Hosted by nationally renowned slam poet Dominique Christina who will also be available to sign copies of her book, along with celebrated Muslim poet Aliyah Hakim-El. To be a participant, contact Dr. Shamika Mitchell at smitchel@sunyrockland.edu. A bridge event with Women’s History Month.

Film: Body and Soul: An American BridgeThursday, March 15, 2018 12:30 – 1:30 pm • Technology Center, Ellipse Documentary exploring the relationship between African Americans and Jews during the Jazz Age. Co-sponsored by the Jewish Heritage Committee. Courtesy of the JCC Film Festival.